Guidelines for Weddings at First Church

Clergy

Any one of our three clergy -- Rev. Paul Johnsen, Rev. Sarah Johnsen, and Rev. Dave Wilkinson -- are available to officiate at your wedding and to work with you in premarital counseling.

The Wedding Service Marriage is a sacred and holy event.  The Service of Marriage is actually a worship service, offered by the First United Methodist Church, as part of its ministry. The order of service will be based on the United Methodist "Service of Christian Marriage." Weddings are very personal.  They are also of deep importance to the Christian community, the Church. You are encouraged to discuss your ideas concerning the service with the pastor.  Together you will decide on any changes or additions to the order of service. The involvement of other persons in the service, lay or clergy, will only be with the consent of the officiating pastor.  In the case of clergy, the officiating pastor must agree to invite them to participate.

The music for the service should be appropriate to the occasion.  Our organist will be glad to work with you on planning your music.

Recording – audio, video or photographic – is permitted only when it does not detract from the religious emphasis of the service.

Flash photography is permitted during the processional and recessional, but NOT at other times in the service.  Pastors will be happy to re-enact portions of the service for the photographer, upon your request.

The church has video equipment. The couple can ask to have the service video taped.

Smoking, alcohol and drugs:  Your wedding is one of the most important occasions of your lives.  The First United Methodist Church is a "Smoke Free" building.  Smoking is only permitted outside the building.    We believe there should be NO use of alcohol or drugs prior to the service.  Should you or members of the wedding party choose to abuse chemicals prior to participating in the service, it will be cause for the pastor to exclude those persons from taking part in the service or canceling the wedding.  There will be ample time to celebrate following the service

Wedding Rehearsals will not be scheduled any later than 5 p.m.

Weddings will not be scheduled any later than 2 p.m. for a Saturday wedding.

Other Information

The sanctuary is not air-conditioned.

Flowers:  You may plan to have fresh flowers for your wedding.  The church does not have facilities to keep flowers overnight.  Please arrange for the florist to deliver them during hours when the church building is open.  On Saturdays, this is approximately an hour and half prior to the service.

Fellowship Hall:  If you plan to use the Fellowship Hall, please indicate that when you plan your wedding.  There are additional costs for use of the Hall.

Nothing may be thrown in or outside the building.  (No rice, birdseed, etc.)

Aisle Runner:  The church does not have an aisle runner.  If you wish to use one, they can be obtained through your florist. The center aisle is slightly less than 60 feet long.

Invitation to Clergy and Spouse: It should not be assumed that clergy and spouses will attend the rehearsal dinner or reception. If you desire the officiating clergy and spouse to attend, please invite them with a formal invitation.

Custodial Fee:  The custodial fee may not be waived.  It is mandatory for all weddings held at the church.  There are no exceptions.

For complete information including fees, music, order of service, and suggested scripture and hymns call the church office at 920-437-9252 or e-mail the church office.